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The consequences of eating unhealthy foods affect the body even after switching to a "healthy diet"
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Almost everyone knows that the normal functioning of the immune system is directly related to the state of the intestines. The diet and lifestyle that a person leads can significantly disrupt the intestinal microflora, which is the cause of many health problems.
In one study, researchers assessed the condition of two groups of rodents that were predisposed to atherosclerosis and high cholesterol.
The first group of mice ate a diet high in fat and cholesterol, while the second group ate healthy foods, mainly vegetables, fruits, and cereals.
After several months, the scientists transplanted bone marrow from the "unhealthy diet" rodents into "healthy diet" rodents with a similar genetic background.
Over the next few months, the mice with the bone marrow transplant continued to eat a "healthy diet" before being assessed by specialists.
As a result, the process of DNA molecule modification changed in rodents with transplanted bone marrow (the structure of the molecule remained unchanged). Also, weakening of the body's protective properties and development of atherosclerosis were detected in mice.
After a course of treatment for atherosclerosis, which was successful, lowering cholesterol levels, and changing the diet of the rodents, the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle and disruption of the immune system remained.
As experts noted, bad habits change the process of transferring genetic information from DNA through ribonucleic acid to proteins and polypeptides.
This discovery will allow developing a new approach to the treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases. Experts intend to conduct a series of studies to find out how long this effect lasts and what drugs will help normalize the condition.
Changing your usual diet is quite difficult, especially if the menu was dominated by unhealthy products. But recently, experts have proven that even persistent food preferences can be changed. The new study involved 13 volunteers (men and women) who had problems with excess weight.
The experts divided the participants into two groups: in the first, the participants ate their usual food, and in the second, they followed a weight loss program, part of which was a low-carbohydrate diet with a high content of protein and fiber.
During the diet, the participants did not feel hunger, since it is the feeling of hunger that makes unhealthy food attractive to a person. All volunteers underwent magnetic resonance imaging before and after the experiment.
As a result, after six months, the specialists identified changes in the brains of the participants in the low-carb diet group that affected the pleasure center.
During the scan, the participants were shown various photos of food products, and the experts noted that people who participated in the weight loss program showed increased activity in the pleasure center while viewing photos of low-calorie products, and that the craving for unhealthy food in this group was significantly reduced.
Based on the results of their work, the scientists concluded that it is entirely possible to change taste preferences and enjoy low-calorie foods.